Coach Gus Bradley’s future as the Jaguars head coach is now likely tied to Blake Bortles, the quarterback they took with the third pick Thursday night.

When a quarterback is taken that high, there are high expectations and Bortles will be the starter in 2015 if not before that. It is only a matter of time before he replaces Chad Henne.

If Bortles makes it big, Bradley is likely to have a successful career as the Jaguars coach.

If Bortles isn’t a success, Bradley’s long term future could be in doubt.

For example, Blaine Gabbert was a bust and both general manager Gene Smith and coach Jack Del Rio ultimately lost their jobs.

Bradley, though, said he doesn’t look at it that way. He said he only thinks of the organization instead of himself.

“I don’t think of it that way,’’ Bradley said Thursday night when he was asked about his future is tied to Bortles’ future.

“I think when Shad (Khan) hired me it was, I have a commitment to the organization to do what I think is best for the organization. That’s what I told (general manager) Dave (Caldwell). Let’s stay true to that and not let it be about me or you. That’s the commitment we gave to Shad and to this organization and the franchise to do what we think is best for the franchise and not get caught up into that. I just don’t want to go there. It might take a year and he might have to play a year for that, but that’s okay. We think that’s what’s best for the organization and let’s go for it,’’ Bradley said.

Still, there is not much doubt that Bradley and Caldwell are betting their future on Bortles.

Caldwell said they want to build for the long term. Now the question is whether Bortles will be part of the team’s long term future.

Come on folks, Bortles deserves a chance! And what is all the "Gator-infested" nonsense. What a childish response.

I will say I don't know Bortles well and would rather have had the guy who looked mostly brilliant against SEC defenses (Johnny), but I watched Bortles dismember what most thought was a very good Baylor team in the Fiesta Bowl last year. Let's hope Bortles looks like that playing for us. If so we will all be happy!

I honestly disagree with Vito's point. Gus Bradley is an awesome head coach, why would we jettison him if the Jags have a few bad seasons due to a draft pick busting ?? The fact is that 50% of 1st round picks are busts and I really think that barring injury, Bortles will be pretty good. Still, 1 draft pick shouldn't destroy all of a coach's other good work. The only exception is a reach like RG3 where you bet 2 whole drafts for a player or where Shack bet the whole 2008 draft on Harvey--that's crazy. Now Dave Caldwell being GM and the guy who has final say of who is picked for the draft SHOULD be held accountable for how HIS draft picks work out.